Friday, December 19
Movie at the Library
2 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join Longport Library for a screening of the film, “Good Fortune.” For more information or to register, call 609-487-7403.
Saturday, December 20
Renault Reindeer Run 5k
- 9:45 a.m.
Renault Winery, 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
Get ready for a holiday-themed run through Renault Winery this Saturday. The event will take place rain or shine, with a 1-Mile Kids Fun Run starting at 9:45, followed by the 5K at 10 a.m. Race-day registration will open at 8:45 a.m., with prizes awarded to the top finishers in multiple divisions.
Holiday Sweet Sale
- 12-3 p.m.
Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore Road, Somers Point
ACHS will be selling home-baked cookies and other baked goods, along with hundreds of vintage Atlantic City souvenirs and postcards. All proceeds benefit the historical society, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization
Countdown to Christmas Crafts
- 1-3 p.m.
Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Stop by the Ocean City Free Public Library this Saturday for fun holiday crafts. This event will take place in the Children’s Activity Room and is recommended for children aged 4-11 years old.
Egg Harbor City Holiday Parade
- 6 p.m.
Claudius Ave. to Philadelphia Ave.
Join Egg Harbor City for a celebration of the season with festive floats, businesses, nonprofits and Santa. The parade will line up at City Hall, stepping off at 6 p.m. and proceeding from Claudius Ave. down Philadelphia Ave. to Arago and Liverpool, where the parade will return to City Hall. To sign up, email eggharborcitychristmasparade@gmail.com.
Lights Out Presents: A Very Valli Holiday
- 7 p.m.
Gateway Playhouse, 734 Bay Ave., Somers Point
Join Gateway Playhouse for a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as Lights Out takes you back to all of your favorite classic songs. Audiences will hear the best Frankie Valli hits, along with the most beloved holiday classics. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
Sunday, December 21
‘Scrooge The Musical’
- 2 p.m.
Gateway Playhouse, 734 Bay Ave., Somers Point
Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved story, “A Christmas Carol,” this timeless holiday tale comes to life with warmth, humor and unforgettable music. A special performance has been added for this Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
Monday, December 22
Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series
- 7-8:30 p.m.
Gregory’s, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point
Warm up to some cool jazz this Monday as the South Jersey Jazz Society presents an evening of holiday music with Maci Miller on vocals Andy Lalasis on the bass, Dean Schneider on piano and drums by Tom Angello. The event is open to Jazz Society members. General public seating is first come, first served.
Tuesday, December 23
Family Night Wrapping Party
- 6-7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Stop by the Ocean City Free Public Library this Tuesday for a wrapping party. All wrapping supplies will be included; just bring your unwrapped gifts and your festive cheer. Takes place in the Children’s Activity Room and is recommended for children ages 6-11 years old.
Senior Dance Society
- 7:30-10 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. No.1, 447 Bethel Road
Come join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, December 31
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration in Ocean City
- 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Celebrate the arrival of the new year at Ocean City’s family-friendly event. First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at over 20 venues throughout the city. This year’s program will include headliner entertainment featuring the music of Journey and Motown, plus activities such as outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, the Harlem Wizards, Sensational Soul Cruisers and much more. All-inclusive admission buttons are on sale at the Ocean City Welcome Center or online at www.firstnightocnj.com.
Thursday, January 1
Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Resorts Atlantic City, 1133 Boardwalk
The 34th Atlantic City Polar Plunge is less than two weeks away. Gather your friends and family and plunge for a purpose on the beach outside of Resorts Casino Hotel to raise funds for Cancer Support Community New Jersey. Registration is open now at www.cscnj.org. Day-of registration opens at 10 a.m.
Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
- 12 p.m.
16-17th St. Beach
Get ready for a fun-filled day on the beach and welcome 2026 with the Brigantine Polar Bears. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a Veterans Salute, Costume Contest and more. The plunge will take place at noon, followed by post-plunge parties around town. Proceeds benefit the Fisher House.
Tropicana Polar Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk
Tropicana Atlantic City is hosting a Polar Plunge to benefit Heart of Surfing. Meet at the beach in front of Tropicana for a dip into the Atlantic Ocean to kick off the new year. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Sign-ups are $10 per person and include hot chocolate for all. Dress up, get festive and have an amazing time with Heart of Surfing this New Year’s Day.
Margate Polar Bear Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Essex Ave. Beach
Join Robert’s Place in Margate as they welcome 2026 with their 31st Annual Polar Plunge on the beach. This community event will take place with a plunge into the ocean at 12 p.m.
Ocean City’s First Day 5K Boardwalk Run
- 1 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Start the new year with a 5K run on the Boardwalk, the perfect warm-up for a frozen “First Dip” into the ocean. Registration is open now at www.ocnj.us/race-events.
Ocean City’s First Day at the Beach
- 2 p.m.
Eighth St. Beach
Join Ocean City and hundreds of revelers in welcoming the new year with a first dip in the ocean. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com for more information.
Ventnor City Polar Plunge & Winter Festival
- 1 p.m.
Newport Ave. Beach and St. James Hall
Plunge into 2026 with the Ventnor Business Association as they host their annual Polar Bear Plunge and Winter Festival. The festivities will begin at noon at St. James Memorial Hall, located on the corner of Newport and Atlantic Ave. The plunge will take place at 1 p.m. at Newport Avenue Beach. This community event will feature family fun with inflatable games, music, a chili cook-off and food and drink specials.
Multi-day Events
Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21
- 12-3 p.m.
Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.
Enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout Downtown Ocean City and witness the excitement of America’s Greatest Family Resort during the holiday season. Line up in the Tabernacle parking lot at Sixth St. and Asbury Ave.
Santa Claus in Ocean City
- Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21
Enjoy the excitement of America’s Greatest Family Resort during the holiday season and get your photo with Santa himself. The man in the red suit will appear at Soifer Park, corner of Ninth and Asbury, from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will also be available for photos at the Music Pier between 1 and 3 p.m.
Storybook Land’s Christmas
Fantasy with Lights
- Now-Tuesday, Dec. 30
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
The Christmas Fantasy with Lights has returned to Storybook Land for the season. Watch as Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland and Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Don’t miss your chance to see Santa before Christmas Eve. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.
Health and Wellness
Coffee Talk
- Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Monday Meditation and Stretching
- Mondays, 11:30 a.m.
Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway
The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on Mondays. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Depression and Anxiety Group
- Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Dementia Support Group
- 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7
Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.
Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
